Teasers are vasectomised rams that can be used to synchronise ewes that are already cycling, or to stimulate ewes to cycle earlier. Teasers can also improve the ovulation rate ie increase the chance of twinning.
Teasers need to ‘have the chop' at least 6 weeks prior to use, to ensure viable sperm is no longer present and the wounds are healed. Poll Dorsets are the most popular breed to use as their longer breeding cycle means they have stronger stimulation early in the season.
How to manage teasers
Ewes should be isolated from rams, teasers and bucks for 21 days prior to teaser introduction. Sudden teaser presence will then induce the ewes to have a ‘silent heat' prior to tupping so that they will be into their second (more fertile) cycle soon after ram introduction. An important point to make is that the ‘ram (or teaser) effect' will have no bearing on ewes that have already started their normal cyclic activity.
Ewe Hoggets - Introduce the teasers (ratio 1:300) 17 days prior to ram joining. At ram joining, teasers are removed and the entire rams put in with the hoggets (ratio 1:80). It is best to mate younger ewes separately as they are less active at seeking out the ram and their oestrus cycles are shorter than for mixed age (MA) ewes. For this reason, sexually experienced rams should be used with the younger age groups. Hoggets from traditional breeds (Romney, etc) usually only cycle 2 or 3 times in the mating period, so teasers are important in ensuring as many are cycling as possible when the ram is joined with them.
MA Ewes (including 2ths) - Teasers (ratio 1:500) should be put out with the ewes for 3-5 days, 17-21 days prior to the planned start of mating and then removed (ensure no rams are near the ewe flock). Entire rams are then joined after that 17-21 day break. NB: The 17-21 day break should not be longer - if the break is 28 days, the teaser effect is negative (the entire rams have missed that very fecund cycle).
Remember, when using teasers, and vaccinating hoggets and 2ths for toxoplasmosis, the vaccine needs to be given to the ewe hoggets and 2ths at least 4 weeks before the teaser ram joins them.
The standard ram:ewe ratio is 1:50 to 1:100 but this will depend on topography, paddock size, age of the ewes and rams, nutrition etc. If using Androvax or Ovastim (vaccines to improve the number of multiples), do not use a ram:ewe ratio lower than 1:100.
Teasers can have a significant effect on lambing percentages. If you would like to discuss the use and management of teasers specific to your situation, please do not hesitate to contact us at either branch of Totally Vets.
